LAS VEGAS – Four-time world champion bull rider Tuff Hedeman heats up Las Vegas with the Tuff Hedeman Bull Riding Tour, presented by Boot Barn and Discount Tire, at the South Point Arena & Equestrian Center on Saturday, March 2 at 7:30 p.m. Featuring Hedeman’s signature style event, 24 of the world’s best bull riders will compete in the invitation only, three-round competition with a sudden death format. Tickets are on-sale now starting at $30 here.

The two-hour adrenaline rush show will feature a star-studded lineup of world-class bulls, including bull icon Hellfire, pitted against champions and the hottest bull riders on the tours today. As the fourth stop of the nationwide tour, Tuff Hedeman Bull Riding Tour will have three World Champions and nine Wrangler National Finals Rodeo qualifiers competing, including but not limited to Jeff Askey, Koby Radley, Dustin Boquet, and Eli Vastbinder.

“The last time a group of bull riders like this were in Las Vegas was during NFR, and if you missed them in December, you can see several world champions and the NFR guys back in town at the South Point," said Hedeman. “It is going to be an intense weekend of competition plus some great family fun entertainment, and no bull riding experience or knowledge is necessary to enjoy this high energy adrenaline rush show,” said Hedeman.

Bullfighters Only champions Bryce Redo (Dayton, TX) and Beau Schueth (Emmitt, NE), both personally selected by Hedeman, will also be back saving lives on the dirt in front of the chutes.

Bryce Redo and Beau Scheuth will be back in Las Vegas fighting bulls and saving lives.

Doors will open at 6:30 p.m. for ticket holders to enjoy the pre-event activities on the concourse including great food, cold beer, shopping, and autograph opportunities.

“Every year I look forward to providing the Las Vegas community with a top-rated bull riding competition and some great entertainment,” said Tuff Hedeman. “This year we will also be at the Downtown Las Vegas Events Center with a live bull for fans to get photos with and then watch him buck two days later as an amazing athlete.”

Leading up to the weekend event, Hedeman will be joined by Hellfire, Eli Vastbinder and Bryce Redo at the Downtown Las Vegas Events Center on Thursday, Feb. 28 during the Ultimate Sports Weekend Fan Fest from 3 to 6 p.m.

Hayden Shaw and Hellfire will be at the Las Vegas Event Center meeting and greeting on Feb. 28 from 3 pm to 6 pm.

Tickets are on sale now at Tuff Hedeman Bull Riding Tour Tickets or by visiting the South Point Arena website. Tickets are also available in-person at the South Point Box Office, 9777 Las Vegas Blvd South, Las Vegas, NV 89183 or phone 702-797-8055.

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About Tuff Hedeman

Richard Neale "Tuff" Hedeman (born March 2, 1963, in El Paso, Texas) is an American retired three-time Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA) World Bull Riding Champion as well as the 1995 Professional Bull Riders (PBR) World Champion Bull Rider, and a ProRodeo Hall of Fame and Bull Riding Hall of Fame inductee. Previously, Hedeman was the president of the PBR. He is one of the co-founders of the PBR. In 1999, the PBR honored him with the PBR Legends and Heroes Celebration: Ring of Honor. Followed by an affiliation with Championship Bull Riding (CBR) for 12 years. He is known for having been one of rodeo icon Lane Frost's closest friends as depicted in the film 8 Seconds and historic clashes with the infamous bucking bull Bodacious. He has three sons, Lane, Trevor, and Ryker and currently makes his home near Morgan Mill, Texas.

About South Point Hotel, Casino & Spa

Featuring more than 2,100 guestrooms, South Point Hotel, Casino & Spa overlooks the famous Las Vegas Strip and the serenity of the surrounding mountainscape. Each oversized guest room features state-of-the-art LED televisions as well as WiFi with high-speed internet connections. Guests visiting South Point will experience affordable luxury through a casino offering top-of-the-line gaming technology, more than 60 table games and a separate race and sports book area, 11 restaurants, including the award-winning Michael’s Gourmet Room, the world-class Costa Del Sur Spa and Salon, a 400-seat showroom featuring headliner entertainment, a 700-seat Bingo room, a 16-screen Cinemark movie complex, a state-of-the-art 64-lane bowling center, a 52,000-square foot Conference Center and an 80,000-square foot Exhibit Hall. South Point Hotel is also home to the Tournament Bowling Plaza, a multi-million dollar professional bowling tournament facility. In addition, South Point has the finest equestrian event facility in the country. The event space features three climate-controlled arenas, vet clinic, feed store, more than 1,200 climate-controlled stalls and plays host to some of the country’s most unique events. South Point Hotel, Casino & Spa is at 9777 Las Vegas Blvd. South, Las Vegas, NV 89183.

EL PASO, Texas (February 17, 2019) – In a sold-out El Paso Coliseum, 29-year-old Cody Rostockyj looked only left for inspiration and qualified rides as he pitched a perfect night to pack up the prizes, including a $2,000 bonus for wearing Rock N Roll Denim jeans, and the win worth $20,500 from the Casa Ford Tuff Hedeman Bull Riding presented by Sunland Park Racetrack and Casino.

“On my first two rides I was riding and feeling really strong to the left, and with the Casa Ford guys cheering me on so much in that left chute area, I picked my final four bull because he went to the left and I knew they would kind of lift me up,” said Rostockyi.

Riding two bulls, he knew well and one unknown, the second eldest bull rider on Tuff Hedeman’s invitation-only roster loaded up and made the trip to El Paso to fight back to the top of Tuff Hedeman’s invitation-only bull riding roll.

“Fun to see a guy that has been around and loves the sport be so competitive tonight, he always tries hard, and he had to fight hard to get past two of the industry's hottest riders, “ said Hedeman.

With 14 qualified rides on the board, three-time NFR qualifier Roscoe Jarboe and JT Moore both rode two and finished second and third respectively. Both Jarboe and Moore have advanced to the final four shoots out in the last two THBRT events with Moore winning Hobbs and Jarboe winning Bossier.

Laramie Craigen was fourth with the highest mark ride of the night, 91.5 points on Mike Rawson’s Speckled Chicken to win round one.

“JT (Moore) is riding really impressive, and Jarboe is one of the best going down the road, and Craigen made a great ride tonight, but I tend to root for the old guys because I am one of em,” laughed Hedeman referring to Rostockyj’s age.

Rostockyj, joined by the Casa Ford and Sunland Park families, Tuff and Clarice Hedeman celebrate fourteen years of Tuff Hedeman Bull Riding in El Paso.

“Our guys always make great efforts in El Paso, the energy in the building produces great rides and big scores, and the fans were really into it tonight – it was once again the cool place to be on Saturday night in El Paso, and I love bringing this event back to El Paso year after year,” said Hedeman.

Round One

Eight riders heard the whistle while still aboard, but it was Cody Rostockyj, the first man out who drew a familiar foe, Jeff Harris’s Dirty Little Secret. It was a bittersweet draw, he won the TH Breakout tour stop in Jacksonville on him, but also bucked off of him once, and Rostockyj knows you better bring your best to cover one of the favorite draws on tour.

"It was a rematch, but it was kind of funny, the bull was leaning, and I was motioning for them to move and they opened the gate before I was ready, I just had to make the best of it, and I was glad it worked out," said Rostockyj who placed fifth in the round with 88.5 points.

Moore spurred his way to an 86 on Barker’s 320 Stix, and Jarboe easily handed in 89 points on 14 Red Cloud (Burruss). THBRT rookie Colton Fritzlan from Rifle, Colorado answered that ride with 89.5 on J11 Chocolate Thunder, but it was Laramie Craigen that brought the fans to their feet with his 91.5 trip that would seal the lead in round one.

Eight competitors advanced on scores bringing four back to the Semifinal round based on time ridden.

One of those would be Brady Portenier, a THBRT rookie who debuted in Bossier City and advanced for the second consecutive event. He would tie the round for 90 points on Rawson’s 453 Tombstone with Jarboe who was 90 points on 20 Cadillac Jack (Danley and Spence).

Trey Kimzey who also advanced on a heartbreaking 7.79 first round go, smoothly rode Danny Mason's new bull on the team, -31 Addiction, for 88 points.

Rostockyj finished last in the round riding 472 Curly Bill (Burruss).

“I actually got on him in Lake Charles two weeks ago, and he bucked me down in 7.9 seconds, it was a grudge and redemption tonight, but then he got caught up in the chutes and came out backwards causing an off trip, he went right and then back left,” said Rostockyj.

With three riding two, Laramie Craigen would advance to his first Shoot Out round with Rostockyj, Jarboe, and Moore.

Leading the pack was Roscoe Jarboe with 179 on two. He selected 30 Off the Rez (Burruss). Coming in second on two with 175 points, Cody Rostockyj had the second pick of the Shoot Out and chose a bull Tuff Hedeman said he could win on.

"I have to be brutally honest, I did not know that bull, I knew one bull out of the four and I had seen that one a lot and knew he was not ridden much, so I picked a bull that went to the left because I was feeling strong to the left after two rides that both went left and really…the Casa Ford guys in the box on the left chute delivery – they really cheer me on, and it helps.”

Counting on his Casa Ford box seat of enthusiastic fans, Rostockyj would bring them and the entire coliseum to their feet as the lone rider to cover his bull riding 279 Streets of Bakersfield (Burruss Bucking Bulls) for 90 points and the win.

“If you didn’t pick up a check on your way out, it’s because you didn’t ride well enough on this night, JT had a chance, Jarboe had a chance if you ride - whatever you have drawn - you are going to win something,” said Hedeman.

Accepting his sixth THBT Challenge check from Tuff Hedeman, Mike Rawson of Martinsville, Texas is grateful for the opportunity the THBRT gives him to do what he loves. Many ponder the success of his bull teams during the last 12 months, but the secret to Mike Rawson’s success is in his parallel viewpoint to Tuff Hedeman’s event strategy. "In my opinion, a really good bull comes out and does his job -- which is to buck, getting points for the cowboy while entertaining the crowd," said Rawson.

Rawson was one of two teams to post a perfect night with three qualified rides and a total score of 286.50. Laramie Craigen tapped off Mike’s favorite child, 2801 Speckled Chicken to win the opening round with 91.5 points and that score would hold as the highest marked ride of the night.

“I was worried about 2801’s match with Craigen because of his size, he's a bigger rider, but it turned out good," said Rawson. Good might be an understatement, Craigen and Speckled Chicken were the round winners and the second rankest ride score of the night with a 90 point bull score.

Lane Toon assisted Rawson when he covered 272 Rifleman for 87.5 points in round one. JT Moore was matched with Rawson’s newest addition, 3015 YoYo, a bull that is still learning the ropes and chutes of the tour, but it didn’t slow JT Moore down, and they were a picture perfect 88.5 points.

The rankest scored bull of the night was JD Knapp’s Kookaburra who posted a 91.5 bull score against Johnathan Brown who lasted only 2.92 seconds. “

EL PASO, Texas – (February 12, 2019) – In an event format that requires an invitation from four-time World Champion Bull Riding and Pro Rodeo Hall of Famer, Tuff Hedeman, the highly decorated Mexican bull riding champion, Ricardo Gonzalez Aceves of Chihuahua Chih, nicknamed “Tiger", will join the roster of superstars competing this weekend at the Tuff Hedeman Bull Riding held at 8 pm at the El Paso County Coliseum. You can meet and take selfies with Ricardo at Casa Ford, Montana from 3 pm to 5 pm on Wednesday, February 13 and again on Thursday at Teachers Federal Credit Union, 12020 Rojas from 3 pm to 5 pm.

Gonzales has been competing professionally for 22 years and is a PBR, and PRCA bull riding champion in Mexico and was recently asked to compete by Hedeman in his one night only three-round tournament style performance worth $30,000 in prize money to the invitation-only bull riders.

The annual event at the El Paso County Coliseum is the third stop on Hedeman's 2019 nationwide bull riding tour and features three days of appearances and opportunities for fans to get up close and personal with Hedeman and the bull riders including a Kick Off Party at Pershing Inn Bar and Grill, a tailgate down pre-party at the coliseum featuring the Mainstreet Band, and the After Party at Whiskey Dicks..

“Anytime you have $30,000 available to riders, you will draw the elite athletes of the sport, the talent level this year exceeds my expectations with World Champions and the NFR’s hottest guys coming to El Paso, said Tuff Hedeman, four-time World Champion, Prorodeo Hall of Famer, and pioneer of the sport of bull riding.

“If you didn’t make it out to Vegas, it’s okay many of them will be riding in El Paso, and it is ridiculous how easy the young guns make rank bulls look,” said Hedeman who defers to the younger generation as the real stars.

Ticket holders can look forward to the family-friendly event which features an adrenaline rush two-hour event wrapped around a top sports field of 24-30 elite bull riders competing in a three-round tournament-style contest.

New to the schedule is the Texas Federal Credit Union (TFCU) Stick bull riding which takes place at 7 pm on the floor of the arena and invites 6 years of age and under boys and girls to compete for prizes and a custom trophy Tuff Hedeman trophy buckle. Email stickbullrider@aol.com to enter.

Hedeman, who has produced the El Paso event for 14 years, recruits rodeo’s leading entertainment including returning NFR barrelman of the year, entertainer Cody Sosebee of Charleston, Arkansas and the Tuff Hedeman Bullfighters Bryce Redo and Beau Schueth who are both Bullfighters Only competition Champions. There will be additional opportunities to Meet Tuff Hedeman and the bull riders - schedule below.

5-7:30 PM - Tailgate Down Party and Concert – Parking Lot of Coliseum – open to all event attendees, sponsors and staff – Featuring the Mainstreet Band live on the Western Tech Stage. Food vendors and Coors/Coors Light beer on sale.

BOSSIER – Delivering three picture perfect bull rides, Idaho cowboy Roscoe Jarboe stole the show with a flawless performance that included a 90.5 point ride and walked away with the bulk of the $30,000 prize money for the win at the Eldorado Resort Casino Shreveport Tuff Hedeman Bull Riding Championship presented by Landers Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram at the CenturyLink Center on Saturday night.

“I had three good bulls tonight and being my first tour event I had no idea what they were, but I like to ride them jump for jump and keep it simple, and it worked out for me tonight," continued Jarboe.

It was 22 year old Jarboe’s national debut on the Tuff Hedeman Bull Riding Tour, and he quickly declared he would be back.

"It was my first ever event like this, bulls are great, and the money is great, and it’s a riding contest from what I heard, and I decided to try it out, and I'll be back and in El Paso in two weeks,” said Jarboe who took home $10,125.00 for his bull riding efforts.

Jarboe, a three-time NFR and the 2014 Oregon High School bull riding champion, has earned over half a million dollars riding bulls since turning pro in 2015, finishing in the top ten of the PRCA for the past three years. Despite a 2018 early back injury setback, Jarboe finished 2018 strong, placing sixth in the PRCA Bull Riding World Standings. He placed in four rounds at the NFR, fourth in the average and earned $213,801. Jarboe has finished in the top ten all three years he qualified for the NFR. The 5’11 bull rider is a past Oregon high school bull riding champion who started rodeoing at age four and was inspired by the career of two-time PRCA World Champion and bull riding great, Terry Don West.

ROUND ONE

Taking advantage of the high energy in the CenturyLink Center, 11 NFR qualifiers and a pair of World Champions took to the shoots and produced 14 qualified rides in round one.

Tim Bingham was the first gunner and set the pace with 90 points on 12B Hellfire (Whisnant/Shaw Cattle Co). Playing come and get me, the field of 28 elite bull riders took shot after shot at the Utah competitor. Hobbs winner JT Moore, US Army Veteran Juan Alonzo, and Lane Nobles all answered the challenge tying up the roundup with three more 90 point scores.

Lane Nobles had the judges highest marked bull of the round, Mike Rawson’s 2801 Speckled Chicken, and that 90 point ride would put both him and Rawson in the driver’s seat for the rest of the competition.

Benton would ride a bucker as he fought past 5060 He Reigns (4G/McKenzie/Novak) for 89.5 points.

Behind Benton would be two 88.5 scores from Jeff Askey and Roscoe Jarboe who began his night on 55 Money Maker (Danny Mason).

"55 was into my hand, and he was a good bull that’s only a 4 year old, he was in the gate to the right and pulled me down, and it was a dog fight after that to get him rode, but it worked out.”

Brady Portenier, also debuting on the TH tour, and Boudreaux Campbell were 87.5 with Cody Rostockyj in at 87. Parker McCown, Aaron Pass, and Riker Carter were all 86.5 and took the last three spots to advance.

SEMIFINAL ROUND

The bulls slowed the action down in the semifinal 13 man round allowing only four qualified rides.

McCown would be the first to ride two with an 88 on 490 Westbound (Rawson) and took the lead with 174.5 on two. Riker Carter answered with 87.5 on 291 Rocky Mountain High (Whisnant/Shaw), 171 on two. The bulls would put down four NFR qualifiers and THBRT rookie Brady Portenier before Jarboe would pick the crowd back up. Jarboe’s second bull would be away from his hand, but it was 277 Dirty Little Secret.

"The second bull I didn't know him or the history, but I can see why he’s the favorite, and he was awesome, Jeff Harris told me he was no day off, but I better come to ride,” laughed Jarboe.

Juan Alonzo steadily moved on with 86.5 on C-16 (Richardson) and 176.5 on two.

Not ever letting anyone see him sweat, 27-year-old and 3-time NFR qualifier Tim Bingham snatched the lead riding an unknown bull, 3015 YoYo (Rawson), away from his hand for 89 points and was now the one to beat with 179.5 on two.

Round one winner Lane Nobles would buck off Baker and Hurst's Road Dawg, and the four-man would be set.

SHOOT OUT ROUND

Parker McCown would relinquish his four-man spot to Riker Carter due to an injury sustained in round two when the bull stepped on his arm.

Leading the pack with 179.5 on two, Tim Bingham earned the right to select first and chose Legacy (Whisnant/Shaw). Jarboe, new to the system had this to say about the four man.

"In that minute we had to decide, I had few guys tell me 267 Bumblebee was going to go either way, and that's the way I like ‘em, so I took him," said Jarboe had second choice after Bingham.

Alonzo would take a rematch on cowboy favorite and NFR bucker Yellowhair (Hurst), and that would leave Riker Carter with 226Z Wired Crazy, a two-time PBR Finals bull.

Carter was the first of the final four-man round and he hustled for 87 points. Juan Alonzo had a missed opportunity to win his first event title when he let Yellowhair get ahead of him 6.64 seconds. Then there were two – both seasoned riders who are accustomed to a big stage for big money.

Bingham posted 89.5 on PBR Finals bull 157 Legacy, but Jarboe edged him out with 90.5 on 67B Bumblebee.

"Tuff told me he would be really up and down and to go get the money and he was right, he jumped out there to the left away from my hand and won me the money," said an elated Jarboe.

To win a title and become a relevant name on his first night on tour is a story within itself as Jarboe becomes an instant hit among Tuff Hedeman bull riding fans.

“People want to see great bull rides and if you are not a consistent bull or bull rider you won’t be invited, it’s really simple - good bulls and good riders make a great show for the fans, it’s that kind of consistency you will see at our events.” - Tuff Hedeman

THBRT BULL TEAM CHALLENGE

Mike Rawson won his second consecutive 2019 Tuff Hedeman Bull Team Challenge title with three qualified rides and 286 total points. His team included a 90 point ride from the Lane Nobles match-up with 2801 Speckled Chicken, 87 points from Cody Rostockyj on 220 High Voltage, and his rookie bull 3015 YoYo and Tim Bingham were 89 points in the semifinal round.

“I liked him (YoYo) a lot and thought overall the new bull was good considering the new scenery and having to get along with new bulls - he was good for a bull I have had a week,” added Rawson.

Danny Mason was behind Rawson with 284.93 points. His trio’s scores were with two qualified rides and the second rankest scored bull, 503 Pan Am (91 point bull score), that bucked Trey Benton off in round two at 2.93 seconds.

Third was Whisnant and Shaw with 3 rides and 282.5. Fourth was 4G/McKenzie/Novak with 280.41 and one 89.5 qualified ride from Trey Benton on 5060 He Reigns in round one.The highest bull score was 92 points earned 208 Sledgehammer on Cunningham and Scoggins team. 208 bucked off Hobbs event champion JT Moore in round two in 3.11 seconds.

BOSSIER CITY -Two National Finals Rodeo qualifiers who call the Bayou State home will be returning to their native state for one night only as they hope to tap the hometown advantage atmosphere while trying to win the Eldorado Resort Casino Shreveport Tuff Hedeman Bull Riding held February 2 at the Century Link Center in Bossier City.

“Koby Radley and Dustin Boquet are premier athletes from Louisiana and you won’t want to miss the opportunity to see them ride - if you didn’t make it to the NFR in Vegas where the ticket prices are high, you will see several world champions and at least 9 NFR guys right here in Bossier,” said Hedeman.

Louisiana bull rider and NFR qualifier Koby Radley who grew up in Louisiana hopes Bossier will be a hometown advantage in Bossier. Radley finished 2018 10th in the PRCA World Standings..

The pioneer behind the sport of professional bull riding, 4-Time World Champion and Pro Rodeo Hall of Famer Tuff Hedeman, brings backs his two hour signature three round tournament style bull riding event to North Louisiana where he showcases the industry’s top 24 ranked bull riders for a one night only performance which tests their skills against the highly-skilled animal athletes.

The Pro Rodeo Hall of Famer has lined up the roster of World Champions and Wrangler National Finals Rodeo (NFR) athletes to compete for the second stop on his national tour, the Eldorado Resort Casino Shreveport Tuff Hedeman Championship.

“This is family fun entertainment and no bull riding experience or knowledge is necessary to enjoy this high energy adrenaline rush show, said Hedeman.

FOR THE KIDS - Stick Bull Riding – Your budding rodeo star can enter the stick bull riding for a chance to compete on a stick bull on the floor of the main arena prior to the show. Entries earn prizes and the champion wins a Tuff Hedeman trophy buckle. Enter by emailing stickbullrider@aol.com.

SPECIAL GUEST

Stoney LaRue will be Tuff’s special guest and he will be in concert on the arena floor immediately following the bull riding. LaRue has sold over one million records over his career and plays 200-plus shows a year and is known and loved for his real life, thinking man’s music.

With 30 years of bull riding history on his resume, Hedeman is one of the most recognizable cowboys in the history of rodeo and bull riding, but he defers to the young superstars like Radley and Boquet as the best bull riding talent he has seen in recent years.

You and your family will enjoy top-shelf entertainment including the Tuff Hedeman Bullfighters, grand pyrotechnics introductions, and great family fun entertainment from leading entertainers in a jammed packed two-hour adrenaline rush show.

Doors will open at 6:00 p.m. for ticket holders to enjoy the pre-event activities on the concourse including great food, cold beer, shopping and autograph opportunities.

Hedeman and bull riders will be at Landers in Bossier on Saturday, Feb. 2 from 11 am - 2 pm

Tickets are available at the CenturyLink Center Box Office located at ground level across from parking lot A on the Northwest side of the arena. The Box Office is open Monday – Friday from 9:30 am – 4:30 pm. Patrons may purchase tickets in person during these times or 24-7 online at Ticketmaster.com. For more information, interviews and media credentials, please contact Leigh Ann Schroeder, 940.902.1112 or tuffhedemanpr@gmail.com.

JT Moore earns 89 points on Hou Did He Buck (Dennis Davis/Gem) in the final four Shoot Out Round of the Hobbs Tuff Hedeman Bull Riding.

Hobbs Tuff Hedeman Bull Riding Tour at the Lea County Events Center

HOBBS, New Mexico – Two familiar sparring partners faced off on the arena floor when 23-year-old JT Moore made a big move in front of a packed house to stay on top of Hou Did He Buck for 89 points in the Shoot Out round to win the annual Hobbs Tuff Hedeman Bull Riding (THBRT).

"I am extremely blessed and got on some great bulls here tonight, I would not want to be anywhere else than here, thank you Tuff, and I want to thank Jesus Christ, my savior for allowing me to do this, all the glory to God first," said an emotional Moore as he accepted his first THBRT event win check and custom trophy buckle from Hedeman.

Fans were watching the Tuff Hedeman Bull Riding Tour streaming live for the first time on TuffRideTV.com, witnessed Moore execute a perfect 3 for 3 night outlasting thirty of the industry's top competitors collecting $26,625, the largest win check of his young career.

Moore added he plans to let the winnings bankroll his dream of becoming a World Champion bull rider.

Moore, one of three riders to hear the whistle on all three bulls, thrilled the rowdy crowd at the Lea County Events center edging out veteran rider Jeff Askey when they both posted 89 points in the final round. THBRT rules defer to the back judge in the event of a tie, and Moore received the higher score and was declared the 2019 Hobbs Tuff Hedeman Bull Riding Champion.

Moore, a former CPRA and UPRA champion, began his career riding sheep and progressed to the pro events thru the ranks of junior and youth rodeo. He is a three-time Region 7 Texas High School bull riding champion, and in addition to the THBRT, he is currently riding in the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association.

On a night where the bull riders were in control and in hot pursuit of the biggest payout on the THBRT, the fans enjoyed 22 qualified rides from forty-eight outs. Hedeman’s two-hour adrenaline rush bull riding has entertained west Texas fans for nine years with the sidesplitting humor of barrel man JJ Harrison, Stick Bull Riding Championships, t-shirt throws, and this year an emotional moment of recognition for Patriot U.S. Marine Veteran Justin Rokohl, who lost both legs in service to our country.

The Hobbs THBRT produced by 4-time World Champion bull rider and pro rodeo hall of Famer Tuff Hedeman featured a field of 30 elite bull riders including World Champions and 12 PRCA NFR qualifiers.

"The fans here are awesome, and they love watching bull riding…you can't beat the atmosphere, they are knowledgeable about the sport, from the introductions to the last rider they are as loud as you can ask for and it's always fun to come here," said Hedeman who transitioned from riding to producing when he retired from riding in 1998.

“For me transition from retiring as a cowboy athlete was easy because I went from competing to producing and I love both, I put the same amount of effort and energy into producing events as I did while I was competing. I love coming back to Hobbs, I grew up coming here and have a lot of friends here, it was a great night night,” said Hedeman.

"My first bull I had gotten on before, and he bucked me down in San Angelo, and tonight he was right around to the right, but he started to push back a little, and I had to bow my chest out, but at about 6 seconds I started spurring, and it worked out," said Moore about Mike Rawson's Speckled Chicken.

SEMIFINAL ROUND

Seven qualified rides highlighted the 12- man semifinal round with six riders now with two scores. Parker McCown stole the show with the first and only 90 point ride of the night. Bringing the crowd to their feet, McCown scored the highest marked ride of the night aboard Owen Washburn's 191 Big Jake, an NFR and CBR World Finals bull who is rarely ridden and McCown was now in the lead with 174 on two bulls.

Jeff Askey was not sure he was going to get out of round two as he describes his bizarre twist of fate when he was fouled twice and got on three before posting his 85.5 scores to clock in at 170.5 on two.

"I knew my second bull Divinity from watching a buddy win the round on him at the NFR, I was excited to have him, but he got kind of caught up in the ground and went down, so I got a re-ride. The next bull was a black bull that wore us both out in the box, and then he hipped himself causing a second foul resulting in a re-ride. Then I saw a familiar face loaded as the re-ride bull Savage Moves which I had won a rodeo on him before, and he was right around to the left and jumped out of his pattern a little, but I got the score (85.5) to move on."

Watching and waiting thru the Askey drama, gave Moore more time to think about riding Gin Smoke Lies (Winston/Melton) and he posted an 88 for the final ride of the round and was now in the lead with 176 on two earning the first bull pick of the Shoot Out round.

"My second bull was one of Cory's (Melton), and he was a great bull to get on, just right there around to the left kicking and spinning the whole time," continued Moore as he signed autographs.

Askey, one of two bull riders to ride three rode Melton’s Chaos Ghost for 89 points in the Shoot Out round. Askey lost the title to Moore on a back judge tie-breaker score. Askey placed second and took home $15,000 for his efforts.

SHOOT OUT ROUND

The four-man was set with the top four average scores coming back to duke it out for the check, which the amount is determined by the number of scored rides in the three rounds.

Six bull riders posted scores on two which resulted in Lane Nobles and Matt Palmer being edged out by Tyler Taylor, Parker McCown, Jeff Askey, and the event leader JT Moore determined by aggregate scores at this point in the competition.

Tyler Taylor bucked off first. Askey, now boarding his fifth bull of the night let Cody Rostockyj pick his bull. Wearing his color of cash green chaps, Askey was right on the money with Rostockyj’s pick and seemed to be glued to Chaos Ghost (Melton) for 89 points and the first man to go three for three.

“I have won several events and have never picked my own bulls - Cody said he would fit me and would be right around to the right and he was,” continued Askey.

Parker bucked off, and that left JT Moore who was confident and excited to put his rope on Hou Did He Buck, a familiar opponent.

"This was an easy pick for me, it was my South Texas buddy Dennis Davis's bull and I had been on him and ridden him twice, he was right there around to the left. I rode him two years ago, and I felt really confident," continued Moore. "You know when you come to Tuff's events that you are going to get on really good consistent bulls and then it's up to us with what we do with that."

Tuff Hedeman Bull Team Challenge

Tuff Hedeman presents $30,000 win check to Mike Rawson for the Bull Team competition in Hobbs. Rawson’s trio of buckers won the title on three qualified rides.

Mike Rawson collected the $30,000 check and custom trophy buckle from the 15 team TH Bull Team competition. His trio of buckers posted three qualified rides to put him in the winner's circle. Riker Carter was 86 points on 220 High Voltage, and JT Moore won the first round with 88 points on NFR and CBR Finals bull 2801 Speckled Chicken. Demond Haynes took 490 Westbound for an 87 point spin in the Semifinal round clinching the win for Rawson.

“Tuff got the best lineup of bull riders you could ask for for this event and I was blessed tonight to draw three good riders who all gave great effort, Speckled Chicken led the team with a grudge match, but JT won, and he was 88 with a good trip," said Rawson of Martinsville, Texas.

2.55 points behind Rawson was JC Knapp with 276.45 total points from two road warrior bulls, Uptown Funk and Kookaburra and a new bull named Simple. In contrast to Rawson, Knapp earned his check in Hobbs from rank bull scores with Kookabura leading the night of rank scores in an all-out 6-second effort by Trey Benton in the semifinal round.

Billy Jones who returned to THBRT with partners Carr Pro Rodeo and Ferguson earned his check with 3 bucks offs and solid bull scores that totaled 276.08 points.

In fourth place was Winston and Melton Bull Company with two qualified rides from Tyler Taylor and JT Moore and a 7.39 time by Cody Rostockyj on 435 Time to Shine.

Two-time NFR qualifier and 2017 PRCA Rookie of the Year Boudreaux Campbell Returns to Hobbs to attempt a third Hobbs Championship title. Campbell is from Crockett, Texas.

Tuff Hedeman Bull Riding Tour Returns to Lea County Event Center

HOBBS - Bringing professional bull riders and money together for years, Tuff Hedeman hits town this weekend with the season opener for the 2019 Tuff Hedeman Bull Riding Tour. The four- time World Champion and Pro Rodeo Hall of Famer has 24 bull riders lined up to take a shot at this year’s prize purse worth a total of $54,000.

“It pays to come to Hobbs,“ said Hedeman who owns and produces the annual bull riding this weekend at the Lea County Events Center. Hedeman who is considered the pioneer of the sport of bull riding continues to develop ways for bull riders and stock contractors to make a living on and off the rodeo trail. When the final check is written Saturday night, Hedeman will have paid out $154,000 between the 2018 and 2019 bull riding making Hobbs the largest purse on Tuff’s bull riding tour.

Kids 6 and under can enter the Stick Bull Riding - Email Stickbullrider@aol.com to enter.

Bull riders know - money and momentum are the two most important factors in building a successful season.

“This weekend’s purse will help several cowboys fund their rodeo season giving them money to travel and pay entry fees to their next event while pursuing their dreams,” said Hedeman.

Hedeman brings the family friendly event to Hobbs with fun for the entire family. Kids 6 and under can get in on the action and win custom trophy buckles and prizes at the stick bull riding which begins before the show. Email stickbullriding@aol.com to enter and its free!

“New Mexico is a big part of my personal history and the people here supported me during my career and I enjoy keeping the bull riding tradition going and bringing a family friendly event to the people of New Mexico,” continued Hedeman who honed his craft as a youth attending junior rodeos in New Mexico.

According to Hedeman if you did not make it to Las Vegas for the NFR, you can see the same guys in Hobbs for a lot cheaper. Tickets are several hundred dollars a seat at the National Finals Rodeo and start at only $25 in Hobbs.

The Contenders

Three World Champions including the reigning PRCA champ Sage Kimzey, four-time PRCA World Champion JW Harris and CBR World Champion Josh Barentine will be challenged by at least 21 additional riders 13 of whom have qualified for the National Finals Rodeo.

Of that list only two bull riders in five years have come close to beating 5-time World Champion Sage Steele Kimzey (Strong City, OK) for year- end titles and gold buckles and both will be in Hobbs trying to get an early jump on the champ.

Trey Benton III (Rock Island, TX) came close in 2017 at the National Finals Rodeo (NFR) and Eli Vastbinder (Athens, TX) in 2017 lost the CBR World title to Kimzey by a mere six points. Eli is rested and ready after winning two rounds and over $78,000 at last month’s NFR and Benton has made it a personal goal to win a year end gold buckle before retirement. Kimzey who continues to break records is one step closer on his quest to beat Don Gay’s bull riding record of eight PRCA World Championships as he racked up No. 5 in Vegas.

Back in Hobbs from his broadcasting debut at the NFR is four time World Champion bull rider JW Harris (May, Texas). You might have heard JW commentate from the back of chutes on CBS Sports last month and now you can see him put his money where his mouth was as he lands in Hobbs for a shot at the big pot of gold.

Two Time HOBBS champion Boudreaux Campbell returns to Hobbs where he thinks the arena is “magic” to try and win a 3rd Hobbs championship. This 2017 PRCA Rookie of the Year and 2-time NFR competitor is on the bull riding world’s young gun list.

The two hour adrenaline rush event features a star studded line up of world class bulls pitted against the proven champs and the hottest bull riders on the tours today.

Dancing with Bulls

Past Bullfighters Only champions Bryce Redo (Dayton, TX) and Beau Schueth (Emmitt, NE) will be saving lives on the dirt in front of the chutes. Both are personally selected by Hedeman to assure the rider’s safety in Hobbs as they dismount and get clear of the bull and the arena. They work all 50 “outs” and remain in the arena for the entire duration of the show protecting all personnel on the dirt.

Local Lubbock businessman and stock contractor (aka bull man) Tom Baker and 14 other teams of bulls will compete in the Bull Team Competition that features three bulls per team entries, total prize purse $75,000.

$75,000 in prize money to the animal athletes and their owners brings Extreme Bull power to Hobbs

Hedeman, who has produced the Hobbs event for 9 years, recruits rodeo’s leading entertainment including returning NFR barrel entertainer JJ Harrison who will join Hedeman and the riders at the Meet and Greet on Friday, January 18th from 5:30-7:30 PM at the Pacific Rim Restaurant, from 5 – 7 pm, 1309 Joe Harvey Blvd, Hobbs, NM 88240.

Doors will open at 6:00 p.m. and the competition will get underway at 7:30 p.m.

5-Time World Champion Bull Rider Sage Kimzey Returns to Hobbs after missing 2018 due to injury.

Momentum and money generate the superstar roster of bull riders scheduled to compete at the 2019 Hobbs Tuff Hedeman Bull Riding on January 19. The annual event at the Lea County Events Center kicks off Hedeman's 2019 nationwide bull riding tour with a one night only three-round tournament style performance worth $54,000 in prize money to the invitation-only bull riders.

“Anytime you have over $50,000 available to riders, you will draw the elite athletes of the sport, Sage Kimzey continues to break bull riding records and the talent level this year exceeds expectations with the NFR’s hottest guys riding in Hobbs, said Tuff Hedeman, 4-time World Champion, Pro Rodeo Hall of Famer, and pioneer of the sport of bull riding.

The invitational roster is headlined by 5-time and reigning PRCA World Champion Sage Kimzey, but he will have his hands full as the challenges include many of the same riders he fought past less than 30 days ago at the recent National Finals Rodeo in Las Vegas. Scheduled to compete are 4-time PRCA World Champion JW Harris, CBR World Champion Josh Barentine, NFR superstars Eli Vastbinder, Jeff Askey, Trey Benton, Dustin Bouquet, Boudreaux Campbell, and Cole Melancon.

NFR Round 5 and 9 winner Eli Vastbinder heads to Hobbs

“If you didn’t make it out to Vegas, it’s okay most of them will be riding in Hobbs next week, and it is ridiculous how easy they make rank bulls look,” said Hedeman who defers to the younger generation as the real stars.

Ticket holders can look forward to the family-friendly event featuring an adrenaline rush two-hour event wrapped around a field of 24 elite bull riders competing in a three-round tournament-style bull riding contest. Budding bull riders, boys and girls, aged six or younger are invited to enter the Stick Bull Riding held before the performance for a chance to win prizes and a Tuff Hedeman Championship Stick Bull Riding Buckle. Hedeman encourages interested kids and parents to email soon as space is limited. For more information and to enter email entries to stickbullrider@aol.com.

Boys and girls age 6 or under are invited to compete in the Tuff Hedeman Stick Bull Riding with a chance to win a trophy buckle. Email stickbullriding@aol.com to enter.

Hedeman, who has produced the Hobbs event for 9 years, recruits rodeo’s leading entertainment including returning NFR barrel entertainer JJ Harrison and the Tuff Hedeman Bullfighters who will join Hedeman at the Meet and Greet on Friday, January 18th from 5:30-7:30 PM at the Pacific Rim Restaurant from 5 – 7 pm located at 1309 Joe Harvey Blvd, Hobbs, NM 88240.

All eyes will be on second generation PRCA bull rider Parker Breding as he qualified for the NFR in 2018 for the third time with a career high No. 2 position. The Edgar, Montana athlete will lead the pack of bull riders attempting to knock off four-time World Champion Sage Kimzey from the throne he has occupied since 2014.

After missing the 2016 and 2017 NFR, 26 year old Breding found his inspiration and with $185,475.93 in 2018 earnings he heads to Las Vegas to make a legitimate run for his first bull riding gold buckle.

He started 2018 with $449,946.00 in his PRCA bank of career earnings. He won the National Circuit Finals bull riding title for a third time (2014, 2016, 2018), now sharing the record with ProRodeo Hall of Famer Cody Custer who won three straight (1990-92).

He also left Rodeo Houston with almost $60,000 and the infamous rodeo bull riding championship complete with trinkets, prizes and airline vouchers.

Breding’s rise as a top contender in the bull riding world is no surprise as he has great advice and coaching from 5-time NFR qualifier Scott Breding, or Dad to Parker.

Tuff Hedeman welcomed Parker, son of one of his PRCA and PBR competitor, Scott Breding, to the Tuff Hedeman Bull Riding Tour in 2018

Photo credit: Todd Brewer

“My father is such a big influence in my life,” said Breding in an April interview. “And he’s such a positive person. I never used it to my advantage.”

When his oldest son was struggling, “I would have a few bad bull rides and let it snowball into a bad situation,” Parker admitted, Scott would try to offer some advice.

“He told me not to worry so much,” Parker Breding continued. “He helped me learn how to shake things off easier. I’ve had some hardships … injuries, financial things … it made me grow up and see things differently.

“His advice helped me see things in a better way. It made me a better bull rider.”

Breding joined the PRCA in 2011 and earned $3,534 in the first year on his permit. In 2012 he won the Pendleton Round-Up and several other rodeo titles, but finished just outside the top 15 at No.25 with $39,338 in money earned.

Breding’s 2013 season set his life on a new path as he made a solid NFR Rookie appearance placing in three rounds at his NFR debut. He finished sixth in the average with 312.5,and tenth in the world standings with $114,189.

In 2014 he missed the NFR but won the Ram National Circuit Finals and several rodeo titles. A fractured right arm at the Clovis rodeo curtailed his season and he finished 27th in the World Standings with $45,694.

In 2015 he finished seventh in the PRCA with $176,247 after winning round 1 and placing in two rounds at the NFR after a bull hooked him under his protective vest and he suffered three fractured ribs on his right side. He continued to compete at the NFR but could not gain any traction in the standings.

“When the gate opened, it didn’t hurt. The adrenaline took over,” Breding said. “But it did mess with your mind. It took the air out of me. I had a chance to win the world.”

In 2016 Breding won the RAM National Circuit Finals Rodeo and finished 33rd in the world standings with $41,160.

2017 saw Breding win several rodeo titles but would finish the year outside the NFR as No. 46 with $33,527 in PRCA earnings.

Breding began his career as many of his competitors as a high school champion. Breding won the Montana high school bull riding title twice representing the state at National High School Finals Rodeo placing 10th his senior year. He played guard on his Juliet high school basketball team. He looks up to his Dad and Jim Sharp in the bull riding world and when he’s not rodeing you can find him team roping and hunting, following Dallas Cowboys football and San Antonio Spurs baskeball team.

Cajun Cowboy Dustin Boquet of Bourg, Louisiana qualifies for his first National Finals Rodeo

28-year-old Dustin Boquet jumped 47 places from the 2017 PRCA World Standings to qualify for the 2018 National Finals Rodeo as the No. 3 ranked bull rider in the PRCA. He joins the nation’s top cowboys as they head to Las Vegas next week for the ten round Super Bowl of Rodeo.

Boquet competed in approximately 110 rodeos that earned him $114,587.51 during his quest to compete at the Thomas and Mack for the first time.

Bouuet didn't get on his first bull until he was 16 years old which some would call a "late" start, but he more than made up for it with this stellar season. His process was to give it all he had and know that there would be tough times and great times. "I just keep my faith strong and kept chasing the goal I had, and it paid off. “

"If Prayer becomes a habit then success becomes a lifestyle" is the phrase on Facebook describing the twenty-two-year-old bull rider who also uses #mygamehisglory.

The Louisiana native from the Deep South city of Montagut is currently sharing the spotlight with Koby Radley as one of the two latest bull riding sensations to come out of the Bayou state.

Finishing third in the PRCA standings headed into the 2018 NFR is no easy feat as this Cajun Cowboy’s home is 45 minutes south of New Orleans.

“It is a long drive just to get out of Louisiana - much less to a rodeo or bull riding,” said Boquet now living in Bourg.

Boquet financed his NFR run from a good showing early in the year at the San Antonio Stock Show and Rodeo where he won over $41,000 in PRCA dollars. It was that moment he realized he now had more money at his disposal than ever before.

He started the 2018 season with $32,272. He has added $114,588 to that already and plans to make more in Las Vegas. He will start the NFR in third place.

At 28 years old, it is not his first thought or attempt at bull riding stardom.

Dustin Boquet clowning around in Cheyenne during the 2017 CBR World Finals introduction

In 2016, Boguet was attempting a PRCA and CBR run, and in January he broke his leg in the practice pen eliminating him from competition for seven months. When he got back on his feet, he qualified for the 2017 CBR World Finals in Cheyenne where he finished in top 25 and shifted his efforts to rodeo where he earned $32,272 in the early days of 2018 qualifying.

Three-time National Finals Rodeo contender and Resistol’s Bull Riding Rookie of the Year in 2016 earned $109,737.37 in 2018 PRCA qualifying money and enters Las Vegas in the highest position of his career checking in at No. 4 in the bull riding category.

Jarboe’s strong finish inside the top 5, was a noteworthy feat considering he missed three months of the season after injuring his back March 21 following an 87-point ride on Andrews Rodeo’s F1 at Rodeo Austin (Texas). Jarboe was forced to leave the rodeo trail and return home after he was diagnosed with a broken L3 vertebra.

Jarboe surprisingly returned for the infamous summer run which is key to determining who goes to the NFR, but he had many obstacles in his way including 4-time World Champion J.W. Harris.

August 26, was a big day when Jarboe, who at the time was sitting No. 16 less than $400 behind Harris, won the Rancho Mission Viejo Rodeo. Jarboe posted an 89.5-point ride on 780 (C5 Rodeo) to win $6,373 and the event bull riding title.

“My back gets pretty sore now and again, but I think in the long run I will be all right,” he said following the win. "This win (in San Juan Capistrano) is something I needed for a while now. I won some smaller rodeos since I came back, but nothing like this. I want just to keep the ball rolling. This is a huge confidence booster for me."

He finished No. 15 in the Xtreme Bulls Tour with earnings of $18,646.16.

Jarboe finished ninth in the PRCA 2017 World Standings earning a total of $156,855 and placing in three rounds of the NFR earning $53,154. He was second in round one with an 87 point ride on 3070 Braggin Rights (Honeycutt) for a check worth $20,731. Fifth in round six earning $7,615 with 71 points on 2031 Undercover (Big Rafter Rodeo). In round seven he was 84 points on 077 Salty Dog (Pickett) and finished third with $15,654.

In 2016, his rookie year and NFR debut, he won round 2 and placed in two rounds to rank no.11 in the average and finished ninth in the World Standings with $149,765.

The 5'11, 145-pound bull rider joined the PRCA in 2015 where he earned $20,058 while competing on his PRCA permit. In 2015 he received $1,975 on his PRCA permit. He also competed in the PBR Touring Pro division from 2014-2016.

Jarboe is a past Oregon high school bull riding champion and a two-time National High School Finals Rodeo qualifier where he finished 11th his junior year of competition.

Chase Dougherty, a three-time Oregon High School Bull Riding Champion enters Las Vegas as the No. 5 ranked bull rider and the second highest ranked contestant competing for the first time at the PRCA National Finals Rodeo. Dougherty, a second-generation cowboy is following in his father’s footsteps as a bull rider and credited his father for his success.

“More than anything he taught me how to be a cowboy and just never quit and have a never-die attitude,” Dougherty said. “Don’t let go until you hit the ground. If you’re in a bad spot, just get out of it.”

The 20-year-old cowboy was born in Portland, Oregon and currently living in Canby. Dougherty Joined the PRCA in 2016, and less than two years later he qualified for his first NFR with $109,349.48 earned and a 51.38 ride average in PRCA competition.

Chase launched his NFR bid in January winning the National Western Stock Show & Rodeo in Denver with 252.5 points and an $8,262 check. He would also win the California Rodeo Salinas, and the RAM Columbia River Circuit Finals. He posted his first PRCA 90 point ride in October at the Grand National Rodeo in San Francisco.

He graduated from Canby (Ore.) High School in 2016 where he played football, wrestled and was a pole vaulter in high school. After winning three state bull riding titles, he was recruited for the Montana State University rodeo team where head coach Any Bolich had this to say during his freshman year (2017).

“He is just a really mentally tough kid as far as bull riding,” said Bolich after recruiting him for the Bobcats. “He is a student of the sport and works at his game all the time. As you know, they kind of live for moments like this where the crowd is big and is loud.”

Chase competed for MSU with success in the National Intercollegiate Rodeo Association, but his coach and teammates were aware he was going to make a full-time career out of bull riding. “It’s that kind of mental toughness that will get him to the next level,” said Bolich.

“All week long he’s in the gym and working on his balance,” the coach described. “He rides a unicycle — all of these things pay off. That work really shows through in the arena.”

In 2017, the 5’11, 140 pound Dougherty finished in the PRCA World Standings in 19th place with $72,754.00. In 2018 he won six PRCA event titles. Professional

The healthy pro cowboy who vowed to never attend a performance at the National Finals Rodeo (NFR) until he earned his way there as a contestant, returns to the Thomas and Mack Arena next week for the second time as he enters the final leg of the 2018 PRCA World Championship as the number sixth ranked bull rider.

A Pennsylvania born bull rider now making his home in Athens, Texas, Jeff Askey is the 2010 College National Finals Bull Riding Champion and a graduate of the University of Tennessee Martin with a degree in Animal Science.

Jeff Askey, 2010 College National Finals Rodeo Champion representing University of Tennessee Martin

Attending approximately 110 rodeos, Askey put a string of wins together in June that moved him out of the “might qualify” lane into a solid standing among the top 15 bull riders of the season.

Once parked inside the top 15 Askey never wavered.

“Early in the year it seemed I was staying on all my bulls but not winning any money,” recalled the 5’8 155 cowboy.

Citing debt as his number one inspiration, Askey explained.

"I have never had any debt, and I borrowed money to buy cows in the spring, and I knew I had to stay on to pay it off early," said Askey.

Traveling earlier in the season with Dustin Boquet and Bayle Worden and in August and September with Trey Benton, Askey felt his season really kicked off in June when he put together a string of wins including the Xtreme Bull Riding in Weatherford, Texas.

“My best ride would be Cody, Wyoming where I was 89.5,” continued Askey.

Earning $107,386.73 during qualifying, Askey won six titles and one Xtreme Bull competition. Taking the bulls and the victories one at time Askey had this to say about studying livestock.

"I like them to keep me guessing I don't study bulls, I think it's a preference deal, I go at it bull by bull, and that seems to work for me, if riding bulls is your life and lifestyle and if you enjoy it it’s not a job.”

30-year-old Jeff Askey will check into the NFR as the eldest bull rider in the locker room, but bull riding analysists might argue that with age comes wisdom and experience and that is a trademark of the straight-talking right-hander.

In 2016 Jeff qualified for his first NFR with $109,339.24 in money earned and placed in one round to rank 14th at the Wrangler National Finals and 11th in the World Standings with total earnings of $134,993.

“In 2015 I missed the NFR by $207 and was sixteenth, the year before I was nineteenth and the year before that I was twenty-first.”

Askey won 3 CBR event titles in 2017 and finished inside the top ten of the CBR World Standings.

With a college degree on the wall at home, Askey claims to be the adult in the traveling department.

"Riding bulls is your life and lifestyle, and if you enjoy it, it's not a job. The riding itself is what you love to do and enjoy, and the planning is just tending to business."

Askey competed on the Tuff Hedeman Bull Riding Tour this season where he likes the challenge.

"The fast pace is challenging of the three-round format, you don't get much time and as soon as you ride you have to get your rope and your mind ready for the next bull.”

In 2017 Jeff fueled his bull riding career on the CBR Road to Cheyenne run. Riding over 50% of the bulls, he attempted including that season he scored a season-high 91.5 in El Paso on 3381 Wet Willy.

He won three events on the Road to Cheyenne, Mercedes, Conroe and Jackson, Tennessee. As a graduate of the nearby University of Tennessee Martin, Askey was embraced by the crowd as one of their own each time he pulled his rope.

Advice to the next generation of bull riders…

“You have to know what works for you and what your own mentality is and what is effective for you – take everything with a grain salt and find your own path,” Jeff Askey.

You can follow Jeff on Instagram and Facebook. For more information contact Leigh Ann Schroeder, tuffhedemanpr@gmail.com or 940.902.1112.

Declaring make or break rides at the last two rodeos of 2017, Boudreaux Campbell hung on to qualify for his first PRCA National Finals Rodeo. With one NFR on record, this year he finished significantly higher on the pecking order with $106,430.78 in qualifying dollars, and he arrives next week at the Thomas and Mack Arena as the number 8 ranked bull rider.

"I made one NFR, and I really wanted to go back again, and I want to win a world title," said Campbell in response to the question of what inspired him as he climbed 7 rungs on this year’s qualifying ladder.

At 19 years of age Campbell, the 2017 PRCA Ram Rookie of the Year, split round 9 of the 2017 NFR with Trey Benton. He finished 10th in the world, earning $37,712 at the NFR plus $88,062.84 in qualifying money which totaled $144,601 in total earnings during his rookie PRCA year.

Boudreaux Campbell, now 20 years old, is described by industry insiders as a tough as nails Southeast Texas cowboy with a completely focused attitude on the back of the bucking chutes.

Campbell discusses Shoot Out round opportunities with Tuff Hedeman.

Campbell's athletic ability and complete bull riding history indicate he is further ahead, much more than your average second-year athlete competing in Las Vegas.

“I love the adrenaline of getting on the back of a bull and conquering stuff that’s not easy to conquer,” he said. “I just love it deep down in my heart,” said Campbell in his first magazine cover story interview and photo shoot.

This team roping, basketball playing Dallas Cowboys fan is no stranger to 4-time World ChampionTuff Hedeman and the bull riding world. Twice Campbell accepted a jumbo check from Hedeman in front of the bucking chutes in Hobbs, New Mexico. The left-handed bull rider is a 3-time CBR World Finals qualifier who earned over $47,000 his CBR rookie year, rode for 90 points to finish second at the George Paul Memorial (Del Rio, TX) and finished third in the 2017 CBR World Standings after advancing to the Shoot Out round.

He is the 2015 Texas High School Rodeo Finals Bull Riding Champion and the 2013 Texas Junior High School Bull Riding Champ.

But success comes with a price and Campbell knows that first hand. He suffered his worst bull riding injury as an amateur youth rider when a cut to his forearm became infected, and after eleven days and five surgeries in a Dallas hospital, he and the arm were lucky to survive.

“Those ups and downs make bull riding a “very humbling sport, Boudreaux said. “One minute you can be on top of the world, and the next minute you can be at the very low end.”

Campbell was recently honored at his alma mater, Lovelady High School

Boudreaux suffered another potentially career-ending injury in 2017 in Louisiana when he was knocked unconscious. Subsequently, air pockets developed in his lungs, and scans showed lacerations to his liver. After being convinced to stay overnight in the hospital for observation, he not only recovered but rode two weeks later.

His advice to anyone interested in bull riding is simple…

“If you want to start bull riding, just know that’s what you want to do and put all the work that needs to go into bull riding. Follow your dream and don’t give up.”

Campbell’s dream began at four years old when he was watching the sheep riding in Liberty (Texas) with his Dad Jay Campbell. “After that, I told my Dad that’s what I wanted to do,” Boudreaux said. “I fell in love with it. And ever since then I wanted to be a world champion bull rider. I started out on calves and then moved up to steers and all of that.”

Jay and Boudreux Campbell with sister Katy Adair

“I have to thank that man for everything, he might be hard on me when I buck off but he taught me to put it in the past and you got one tomorrow you are going to win the round on,” remembers Campbell.

Tuning up not timeout is Campbell's motto this year as he prepares riding bulls every other day. "I am spending more time in the gym too."

Campbell won ten pro rodeo titles this year on his way to the NFR including the Cody Wyoming Stampede Xtreme Bulls. He said his best ride was in Oakdale, California on Four Star Rodeo’s Yellow Fever where he scored 90 points and over $3,000. His bull riding skills and charisma off the chutes have not gone unnoticed as he now represents Barstow Rodeo Equipment, Rock N Roll Jeans, and Vexil Brands.

Boudreaux Campbell after winnings Round 9 at the 2017 NFR

Campbell and company after his Round 9 win at the 2017 National Finals Rodeo.

In February, two-time NFR Qualifer Garrett Tribble jump started his bid to return to the NFR by winning over $34,000 at the San Antonio Livestock Show and Rodeo.

On September 29, Garrett Tribble of Bristow, Oklahoma won the Corn Palace Challenge Extreme Bulls. Scoring 88 points on Dakota Rodeo’s Pile River, Tribble won over $6,000 and sealed his fate as the eighth-ranked bull rider headed to the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA) National Finals Rodeo.

The 21-year-old International Pro Rodeo Association (IPRA) World Champion Bull Rider (2014) earned $102,225.58 to qualify for his second NFR.

“Missing last year’s NFR was the driving force and really the only inspiration I needed for this season, knowing what and how much I missed out on,” said Tribble.

The 5'7 - 145-pound bull rider missed the 2017 Super Bowl of rodeo finishing in 22nd place with earnings of $67,235.

The Bristow High School graduate returns to Las Vegas where he was the co-champion of Round 7 and placed in two rounds to rank 12th at the 2016 Wrangler NFR. Tribble finished 13th in the 2016 PRCA world standings with $129,118.

Winning the San Antonio Stock Show and Rodeo in February, Garrett Tribble built a solid foundation for his return to the NFR in 2018, the win padded his bank account by $34,574.40.

“Winning one of the biggest rodeos of the year helped me out and once I had that I had the confidence and the money to set the pace for the season,” continued Garrett. “I knew then if I just kept doing my job and having fun I would qualify for the NFR.”

Traveling with Corey Atwell and Denton Fugate, Tribble attributes his winnings to being with guys that are just as good if not better than him.

“It makes you want to try harder and do better when you are living with and competing with great riders.”

“Garrett’s bull riding career really started when he was about two or three years old,” says his dad, Rodney Tribble. “He fell in love with bull riding and has wanted to do it since he was very young. From about the time he was three, he’d come home from school and put in the movie Eight Seconds – he watched it every day!”

With 8 Seconds on his mind, Tribble began his bull riding career at five years old in the mutton-bustin' arena. His first experience was with a friend who was entered.

His Dad Rodney finally took him to a rodeo and from that day he made up his mind he was going to be a bull rider. With the help of his family, Tribble progressed to youth association competition in the Junior Bull and Bronc Riders Association (JBRA), National Junior Bull Riders Association (NJBRA) and the Oklahoma Junior Rodeo Association (OJRA). He began competing in 2012, and at 17 years old he won the IPRA world title in 2014. He graduated from high school the next year joined the PRCA, and by 2016 he was qualified and headed to Las Vegas as a rookie bull rider at the NFR.

“I won’t be as nervous as I was in 2016, I won’t take myself as seriously as I did then,” said.

Tribble who admittedly will study the bull draws harder in Las Vegas than on the rodeo road, said most of them he sees during the qualifying season.

25-year-old pro bull rider Tyler Bingham of Honeyville, Utah fought hard this year to earn $101,583.48 while competing in pro-rodeos during the 2018 season after narrowly missing qualifying for the 2017 National Finals Rodeo.

The younger of the Bingham bull-riding brothers won the Tuff Hedeman El Paso Bull Riding Championship in February, finsihed second in the average in March at the TH Las Vegas event and managed that momentum (and money) to make an impressive rodeo run in 2018 as he enters the NFR in the 9th position.

Hedeman who characterized Bingham as resilient had this to say about the cowboy who competed in San Antonio at 2 pm and then hopped a flight to El Paso to compete later that night.

“You are not going to come to these events and win unless you are a major league caliber athlete, 90 percent of the riders in his position tonight would have gotten a zero,” added Hedeman.

"I want to say thanks to everyone that stood behind me this far, I have finally qualified for my first WNFR beginning with my wife Jerica who has believed in me since day one. She pushes me every day to be the best I can be and most of all her patience she has for me being gone 24/7,” said Bingham after he received official word he would be competing at the NFR won six titles this season.

The 5’10 165 pound Bingham admits to losing the “fire” for bull riding when he went to college but rekindled the flame when his brother Tyler qualified for the NFR. Older brother Tim Bingham, 26, is a three-time National Finals Rodeo qualifier in bull riding. The NFR rookie credits brother Tim for teaching him how to rodeo and achieve his goals in and out of the rodeo arena including heading to the practice pen to stay in shape.

“Every year I go watch him in Vegas, and he shows me how much it means just by watching his actions watching Tim go to the finals kind of re-lit the fire. Pretty much every year just makes it better,” Tyler said.

The bull riding brothers, Tim and Tyler Bingham of Honeyville, Utah.

Bingham is the 2011 National High School Bull Riding Champion and CBR World Finals qualifier for four consecutive years (2015-2018). He is a graduate of Freemont High School where he was on the wrestling team as well as high school rodeo. Bingham attended Hill College where he was on the rodeo team. Bingham works construction part time when he is not riding bulls and aspires to someday retire as a full-time rancher.

I’d also like to thank my parents for always supporting me through all the ups and downs – they are amazing. Tyler is a former National High School Finals Rodeo Champion (2011). There are a couple reasons why Bingham is in this position, fighting every day to not only hang on to a bull but to score high enough to keep pace in a hotly contested rodeo season.

Bossier, Louisiana – Get a jump on the holiday season with the ultimate stocking stuffer! Four-time World Champion Bull Rider and Pro Rodeo Hall of Famer Tuff Hedeman announced today tickets are on sale for the annual Eldorado Resort Casino Shreveport bull riding presented by Landers Dodge Chrysler Jeep Ram in Bossier with a special guest this year, Stoney LaRue in concert immediately following the bull riding.

The annual event will be held February 2 at the CenturyLink Center at 8:00 pm. Tickets are available online Tuff Hedeman Bull Riding, Ticketmaster, and the CenturyLink Center box office, 200 CenturyLink Drive, Bossier, La., 71112

Hedeman and Larue invite you to bring the family and friends to cheer on the top-ranked and world-renowned bull riders as they battle the next generation on the televised Tuff Hedeman Bull Riding Tour and then relax and enjoy the Stoney LaRue concert. LaRue has sold over one million records over his career and plays 200-plus shows a year and is known and loved for his real life, thinking man’s music.

With 30 years of bull riding history on his resume, Hedeman is one of the most recognizable cowboys in the history of rodeo and bull riding, but he defers to the young superstars that are currently leading the ranks of pro bull riding and rodeo as the best bull riding talent he has seen in over 15 years.

Presented by Tuff Hedeman Bull Riding Tour, the Eldorado Resort Casino Shreveport Bull Riding event is the second stop on the televised tour featuring 24 of the world’s top bull riders who are selected by Tuff Hedeman, 4- time World Champion and pro rodeo Hall of Famer, to test their skills against the highly-skilled animal athletes.

Elite riders including 7- time World Champion Sage Kimzey, will have his hands full as he battles multiple National Finals Rodeo qualifiers and the emerging young talents who won Tuff Hedeman Tour titles in 2018. The riders will compete in a 24 man field in a three-round tournament style event with the winner taking home the lion's share of the $30,000 prize package.

You and your family will enjoy top-shelf entertainment including the Tuff Hedeman Bullfighters, grand pyrotechnics introductions, and great family fun entertainment from leading rodeo entertainers in a jammed packed two-hour adrenaline rush show.

The former 4-time world titled Hedeman, who in recent years has made a name for himself in the production of great bull riding events will serve as the "chute boss" and television commentator from the dirt in frontof the bucking chutes. Come early and enjoy the pre-event activities including great food, cold beer, shopping, and autograph opportunities.

The Annual Stick Bull Riding competition held during the bull riding is a local favorite for kids.

Doors will open at 6:00 p.m. for ticket holders to enjoy the activities on the concourse including great shopping and meet and greets. Riders and Hedeman’s appearance schedule for Bossier will be released at a later date.

Tickets are available at the CenturyLink Center Box Office located at ground level across from parking lot A on the Northwest side of the arena. The Box Office is open Monday – Friday from 9:30am – 4:30pm. Patrons may purchase tickets in person during these times or 24-7 online at Ticket Link or Ticketmaster.com.

Trey Benton III, the only bull rider in history to win the Tuff Hedeman Fort Worth Challenge after competing their as a youth in the intermission steer riding competition.

Fueled by extreme motivation, Trey Benton III has developed into a five-time NFR qualifier by maintaining his level of effort. In the face of fatigue, physical training, pain, and distraction, Trey Benton III of Rock Island, Texas remains motivated to become the best bull riding athlete he can be.

Benton is a student of the mind, body, sport, and his four-legged opponents. His pro career began in 2012 when he earned the PRCA Resistol Rookie of the Year title. But the years of highs and lows have taught him to recognize that his own foundation is the key to supporting his solid effort and accomplishments.

Persevering past double knee replacement and then a broken femur during the course of his young career, Benton has evolved into a competitor that understands the thrills and spills of the sport.

Earning over a million dollars in his nine years as a pro, it is no secret that trusting motivation is the key to his success. Benton is aware it is the only factor an athlete can control. Whether you were on the couch or in a seat at the Thomas and Mack arena last year, you recognized Benton managed his bull riding ability at the 2017 National Finals Rodeo as he mounted an attack on the number one bull rider in an effort to knock Sage Kimzey off the pedestal. Benton finished second and left with $181,981 in NFR earnings. He earned a total of $322,208 for the 2017 season.

“I was an underdog the first few trips (2012-14) but last year I finished second in the world, and I'm looking for first this year," said Trey Benton in July.

"I grew up watching the NFR in Las Vegas, the noise and the vibes here for those two weeks is unbelievable, I am living the dream and wouldn't have it any other way," said Benton during his NFR run this summer.

Benton arrives in Las Vegas as a top ten ranked cowboy earning $100,931.60 on the 2018 pro rodeo trail with hundreds of rodeos in his rear view mirror, this year began with a bang with two 90 point rides to win the San Angelo rodeo for the third consecutive year. He finished fourth in the 2018 Extreme Bull Standings with $37,523.17. He has won 5 rounds in his career NFR competition and has finished in the top ten twice in his four qualifications.

A graduate of Sam Houston University, Trey is an all-around cowboy who began his rodeo career as a mutton buster in 1996, he progressed to roping and riding bulls. He holds titles in roping events as well as bull riding including Texas Jr. High School Champion calf roper. Benton can rope both ends in the team roping competition and is a multiple Texas Youth Rodeo champion in bull riding, calf roping, and team roping and earned All-Around Champion buckles in 2008-2010. He racked up titles in the Texas High School Rodeo Association and qualified for the National High School Finals Rodeo twice, once as a tie-down roper and then a bull rider.

Benton stands alongside the legends as a three-time George Paul Memorial Bull Riding Champion (Del Rio) and won the coveted Tuff Hedeman Fort Worth Challenge buckle in 2014. He remains the only champion of that event that also competed in previous years as a junior steer rider during intermission. He enjoyed a stellar CBR career winning multiple event titles including the premier bull ridings in Fort Worth, Del Rio, Lufkin, and Bossier and competed in numerous CBR World Finals.

Twenty-seven-year-old TB3 was born with undeniable gifts. He is a professional athlete with a college degree, and he’s the kind of guy that you don’t mind waiting on for an interview because he is pulling trinkets out of his rigging bag for young fans while signing autographs.

In the face of career ending injuries, followed by insanely competitive comebacks, it is not his mind or his physical strength that pervails, but his passion for rodeo and competition. Benton refuses to show any signs of personal doubt. He has always carried on keeping the injuries in perspective.

“A chance to compete is all I want.”

Trey Benton is a cowboy and thrives on the western tradition surrounding that label.

Tickets are on sale NOW to the Hobbs Tuff Hedeman Bull Riding at the Lea County Events Center in Hobbs, New Mexico

Hobbs Tuff Hedeman Bull Riding

HOBBS, New Mexico – Get a jump on the holiday season with the ultimate stocking stuffer!

Four-time World Champion Bull Rider and Pro Rodeo Hall of Famer Tuff Hedeman announced today tickets are on sale to his annual bull riding in Hobbs held January 19 at the Lea County Events Center at 7:30 pm. Tickets are available online Tuff Hedeman Bull Riding, selectaseatlubbock.com and at the box office located at 5101 N Lovington Hwy, Hobbs, 88240.

Bring the family and friends to cheer on the top-ranked and world-renowned bull riders as they battle the next generation on the televised Tuff Hedeman Bull Riding Tour.

With 30 years of bull riding history on his resume, Hedeman is one of the most recognizable cowboys in the history of rodeo and bull riding, but he defers to the young superstars that are currently leading the ranks of pro bull riding and rodeo as the best bull riding talent he has seen in over 15 years.

Presented by Tuff Hedeman Bull Riding Tour, the Hobbs Bull Riding event is the season opener for the televised tour where 24 of the world’s top bull riders are selected by 4 times World Champion Tuff Hedeman to test their skills against the highly-skilled animal athletes.

Elite riders including 7 time World Champion Sage Kimzey, will have his hands full as he battles multiple National Finals Rodeo qualifiers and the emerging young talents who won Tuff Hedeman Tour titles in 2018. The riders will compete in a 24 man field in a three-round tournament style event with the winner taking home the lion's share of the $60,000 prize package.

You and your family will enjoy the personally selected Tuff Hedeman Bullfighters, grand pyrotechnics introductions, and great family fun entertainment from the top rodeo entertainers in the business combined in a jammed pack two-hour adrenaline rush show.

The former 4-time world titled Hedeman, who in recent years has made a name for himself in the production of great bull riding events will serve as the "chute boss" and television commentator from the dirt in frontof the audience. Come early and enjoy the pre-event activities including great food, cold beer, shopping, and autograph opportunities.

Doors will open at 6:00 p.m. for ticket holders to enjoy the activities on the concourse including great shopping and meet and greets. Riders and Hedeman’s appearance schedule for Hobbs will be released at a later date.

Tickets are available at the Lea County Box Office in person or online electaseatlubbock.com. For more information, interviews and media credentials, please contact Leigh Ann Schroeder, 940.902.1112 or tuffhedemanpr@gmail.com